OK, gurus, I'm going back and forth here. If money were no object, I'd have my answer. But it is, so I don't.

I recently dropped my MacBook (thank goodness for insurance) and I am replacing it. I had the basic black MacBook, 2.2 Ghz, but only 1 GB RAM. I had Lightroom installed, but I really couldn't do anything practical with it other than view the photos because it was very sluggish, I didn't like the small screen, and it has the glossy monitor. Other than that, everything was hunky-dory. (sp?) Except, that I really want to be able to edit when I'm on the road and that just wasn't realistically possible with just the 1GB MacBook.

Soooooo, I know that LR will perform better on a MacBook Pro, but I still won't like the monitor size (15.4" vs. 13.3" is not that much of a difference, though I do realize the resolution difference is something to consider.), and I can't afford the 17" (nor do I think I want that beast--I want a laptop, not an iMac in my lap). So the 15" it is, basic entry level is all I can really swing. I know the graphics card is better and it comes standard with 2GB RAM rather than 1GB.

And here is the monkey wrench and then my question. For just about the same price as the basic MacBook Pro I can get a MacBook just like I had PLUS a 20" Mac display (which won't be that hard to carry on the road). I'll just upgrade the RAM from someone other than Apple to 3, maybe 4 GB and save a good chunk of money there. So RAM won't be an issue. Thus, the main question:

Does the graphics card in the MacBook Pro make THAT much more of a difference in LR performance (and Photoshop) that it is a must buy over the MacBook? Will the MacBook even be able to support the full resolution of the 20" display? Is anyone using LR on a MacBook? Are you pleased? displeased?

I'm getting the display either way, so here is the breakdown the way I see it:

MacBook Pro: app. $2000 (then you gotta add the monitor and about $200 for more RAM)


MacBook: app. $1500
Display: app: $ 600

(additional RAM is a wash because I'm adding it to either CPU I get)

So, for $100 more I get the laptop AND a display.

Thoughts?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Be what you are - a PRO.

I used to work on an iBook and it was constantly crashing when I was running CS2. Just couldn't handle it. So I upgraded to a Powerbook and it made the world of difference. Same situation....the MacBook replaced the iBook and the MacBook Pro replaced the Powerbook.

Go Pro! You get what you pay for!

Unless you really really really need the mobile aspect of the laptop I'd suggest skipping the laptop and getting a MacPro and good display. Now don't get me wrong the Macbook Pro's are awesome (I'm typing this on one) but if you're going to drop a chunk of change I'd highly suggest the desktop if mobility isn't an absolute necessity.

***edit*** ok I guess I should read more clearly didn't notice the insurance aspect on my initial skim, but if that's the case go with the macbook pro, or see if you can put the insurance money towards the desktop if its an option

I have a regular macbook and it runs LR just fine. I don't know why it wouldn't on yours. I bought a macbook for the size of it. It fits perfectly on the tray of an airplane seat. I never intend for it to be my main editing machine, but it works fine when I need to on the road.

pro.

Goto Apples site.. find the refurb section.. BUY A PRO! save 100's

I complain about the speed of my MBP, I'd take up drinking if I had to use a macbook.

Settle for the best and get back to work, I always say. The cost should only hurt once. You'll be upgrading forever unless you get the best you can afford.

I have a 17" MBP and love it. I edit on the road all the time in LR and in CS3 sometimes... without issue. I bought my MBP day-one release so it's slower than the new ones and I'm maxed out at 2gb of RAM, where the new ones can last longer by adding up to 4 later; and mine still soars past some of the bigger MBs that some friends have.

I know you, Will; get the good one. You'll be happier in the long run!

Oh yeah, the 15" should be fine. The 17 is a monster, but great for editing. Cases are harder to find for the 17, but I have and love several of these.

I hope that helps,

Corey

OK, thanks for all the help guys. Unfortunately, my budget was a bit tight on this one.

So after thinking about things for a while, doing a bit more research, and cutting a few lawns for a little extra change, I was all ready to go.

Then, I had dinner at my parents'. As per usual, I got to digging around some closets and even the attic--never know what you might find. Seems the older get the more I do this.

And guess what? My CPU problems are solved! I found my old Commodore 64! (and my Intellivision) So I'm not out ANY cash! I'll be trying to figure out over the next week how to transfer all my apps and files to the C-64, but once I get that solved I should be rolling quite smoothly.

Again, thank you all for your input, I really do appreciate it.








(kidding. I got the Pro and the display. It is faster. I figured it would be but was hoping they were close. Not even remotely. This thing runs MUCH better. Now I'm kinda glad I dropped my MacBook and busted it to pieces. Thanks for talking me into spending the extra cash--just don't tell my wife)

heehee.....

You're the best.

When you comin' to Chattanooga?

waiting on the invite with the party plans.

What are you doing up? Isn't it 3am there?

You'll love the MacPro if for no other reason than having firewire 800, getting pix of cards is SO MUCH FASTER!

-b

they call it a pro for a reason - i just wish they incorporated the magentic closing lid which all macbooks have, but its a minor.

youll love it!!